I need help with my 18mnth old changing her diaper.

Nicki - posted on 02/17/2010

maybe show her on a doll what you are doing. just a thought. good luck

Veronica - posted on 02/16/2010

Thanks to everyone for there help.

Michelle - posted on 02/16/2010

Hi Veronica, my daughter also went through the experience of getting a catheter and yes it was traumatic so I feel your pain. Afterwards she was a little apprehensive about her diaper changes but since it was mommy and not the doctors office she was fine. I was having more problems with her recently getting over a diaper rash and being terrified to be changed "while laying down." She had been acting like somebody dropped her or like she had fallen off of something. Death grip on me, fighting to get up or keep from being laid down, it was horrible! I started the diaper changing process by holding her and tellign her what we needed to do, then I would get something she loved to distract her (play phone, real phone, book, etc) lay her down and tell her mommy's right here, get a wipe out and warm it in my hand, clean the mess and if she was starting to stir, I would let her help by either getting her to wipe herself or fasten the diaper ( all while smiling, talking and trying to be interactive with whatever she had in her hand) If she just wasnt going for it, we changed her diaper standing up and clapped and sang after it was all done (trying to make every diaper experience a positive one) letting her know it wasnt going to hurt. You might want to try taking a bath with her so she can see that if its ok for mommy its ok for her and like everyone says just make it all fun!!

Hannah - posted on 02/12/2010

Hi, have your tried givng her the wipes and letting her help? If she's in control then maybe she will relax more and let you help. Also, the nappies (sorry - diapers!) that just pull rather the fasten with tabs on make life a lot easier if they are struggling because they can stand up to get them on (presuming you have them in the USA of course). You could even wipe her standing up so that she doesn't feel as vulnerable as when lying down.

Good luck!

Kelsie - posted on 02/12/2010

I am so sorry that your daughter went through that. I cannot imagine what that was like for you. I used to freak out when my son got shots and started crying. The only thing I can think of would be to let her be more involved in the process of bathing and/or changing. My son is 18 months old and he likes to get the diaper himself and he holds a wipe until I need it as I am changing him, and I talk to him, the whole time. I talk to him about how stinky he is or how he needs to stop eating corn or whatever the situation may be. I make it interesting and sometimes entertaining. There is no reason that changing needs to be serious. And as for the bath, let her check the temp of the water and ask her if it is hot or cold and let her get whatever little bath toys she wants. I have noticed my son is more comfortable in the bath if he gets to pick what he will play with during. He is more ok with having his hair washed and everything. I hope this helps and good luck!

Marta - posted on 02/11/2010

that is horrible that your doctor ordered a catheter for your little one just to get a urine sample. When the hospital needed to get a urine sample for my daughter they attached a baggie with a small opening that had adhesive strips and waited a few minutes. But what's done is done, I guess. Maybe you could try singing to her about all the actions leading up to her changing her diaper like laying her, down pulling down her pants and such. pick one of her favourite songs and change the words so that the words sort of fit. Often kids can relate better to certain situations if they know what's coming next so if you keep the song simple enough for you to remember it the next time you sing it she may also remember the association of a fun song to the diaper change